Malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine



June 30, 1964 F7 KRAUSE ETAL 3,139,178

MALFUNCTION DETECTION ARRANGEMENT FOR A LINECASTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 25, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 JNVENTOR5 June 30, 1964 F. KRAUSE ETAL MALFUNCTION DETECTION ARRANGEMENT FOR A LINECASTING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 25, 1961 June 30, 1964 F. KRAUSE ETAL 3,139,178

MALFUNCTION DETECTION ARRANGEMENT FOR A LINEICASTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 25, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent MALFUNCTION DETECTION ARRANGEMENT FOR A LINECASTING MACHINE Friedrich Kraiise, Oberursel, and Kiirt Heimel and Leon Starck, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, assignors to Linotype G.m.b.H., Frankfurt am Main, Germany Filed Aug. 25, 1961, Ser. No. 133,878 Claims priority, application Germany Aug. 29, 1960 18 Claims. (Cl. 19918) The present invention relates to a malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, and more particularly to an electronic apparatus for halting the operation of a linecasting machine when a line of matrices has been incorrectly composed. t

The present invention is applied to typographical linecastmg machines wherein circulating matrices are composed in an assembling elevator under control of a program tape.

Since no operator is required during normal operation of the machine, any failure of the delivery of matrices from the magazine to the assembling means willresult in an incorrectly composed line which is transported to the casting mechanism, and cast so that the error is in many cases detected only when the printed page is proof read.

Irregular feeding of matrices is usually caused by disturbances at the magazine outlet, but if small magazines are provided, and long lines have to be composed, it may happen that a particular matrix is no longer stored in the respective magazine channel. In this event, the respective characters are omitted.

Apparatus for preventing the i casting of incorrectly composed lines is known.

In one construction of the prior art, an electric impulse is produced whenever the matrix releasing mechanism is actuated by a keyboard or program tape, and this impulse effects stopping of the assembling elevator until another impulse is produced by a properly released matrix. This apparatus requires condensers for storing the impulses to prevent overlapping of the cancelling impulses with a succeeding input impulse which renders the speed of matrix release dependent on the speed of the linecasting machine.

Another apparatus according to the prior art provides mechanical elements actuated by released matrices for the determination of the correct feeding of matrices to the assembling means. This arrangement has the disadvantage that the mechanical feeler element is actuated only once if two matrices are released in contact with each other, instead of one matrix. Furthermore, mechanical feeler elements cannot respond at very high feeding speeds, unless loaded by very strong springs which reduce the sensitivity of the feeler elements.

It is one object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, and to provide a malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine which reliably prevents the casting of incorrect lines independently of the speed of the linecasting machine, and of the speed at which the rubber rollers of the escapement mechanism for the matrices operate.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for checking after a line has been composed whether the number of matrices fed to the assemblingmeans is the same as the number selected by operation of the keyboard, or determined by the program on a program tape controlling the operation of the linecasting machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a photocell close to the assembling elevator so that the number of impulses produced by the photocell represents the number of actually fed matrices.

Another object of the invention is to provide two independent electronic storage and counter means for respectively storing and counting the impulses produced by 3,139,178 Patented June 30, 1964 the photocell, and other impulses produced under the control of the program tape, and to compare the number of stored impulses when a line has been composed.

With these objects in view, one embodiment of the invention comprises operating means, preferably controlled by program tape, and having an actuated position for releasing matrices from a magazine and producing a first impulse whenever the means assumes the actuated position, for example by closing a switch; assembling means, such as an assembling elevator, for forming a composed line of matrices; guide means for the released matrices; a source of light and a photocell located in the region of the guide means and being responsive to an interception of the light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first and second storage means for storing the first and second impulses, respectively, and preferably including electronic counters; and locking means for halting the operation of the machine, preferably by stopping the assembling elevator, when at the end of a composed line different numbers of first and second impulses were counted by the electronic counter means.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic counter means are binary counters connected by coincidence gates, and a comparison circuit produces a signal when different numbers of pulses are stored in the two counters. The signal is amplified, and effects actuation of a relay through whose contacts the locking of the assembling elevator is effected, if a switch connected in series with an electromagnetic locking member, is closed when a line has been composed in the assembling elevator.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the parts of the type casting machine to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a schematic elevation illustrating one embodiment of the invention and including a circuit diagram; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic elevation including a circuit diagram according to another embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a program tape 1 is sensed by feeler levers 2 which are connected by a conventional linkage 3, 4, 5 to T-shaped levers 6 acting through another conventional linkage 60, which can also be operated by key levers 61 on escapement rods 62, to actuate the escapement levers 7, 7a so that matrices 71 in the magazine 70 are released by pins 8 to drop into guide means 10. A delivery belt delivers released matrices from the lower end of the guide means 10 to an assembling elevator where the line is composed. After completion of a line, the program tape 1 produces an impulse which actuates the transporting means of the assembling elevator to raise the assembling elevator to a casting position.

The transporting means of the assembling elevator 105 includes an elevator clutch shaft 101, an elevator cam 102, an elevator handle 103, a shaft 104, an arm with a handle 106 and the lower vertical link 107 which is pivoted to the arm 106 and to the assembling elevator 105. A special code combination in the tape 1 causes the clutch of the elevator clutch shaft to close. This shaft makes one revolution, with the elevator cam 102 raising the normally manually actuated elevator handle 103, and then raising the assembling elevator.

The above-described mechanism is part of conventional linecasting machines, and for example, disclosed in the US. Patents 436,532, 2,006,860, 2,057,652, 2,060,838, 2,091,286 and 2,955,703. Further details on the operaation of a linecasting machine are described in the Manual of Linotype Machine Principles, published by Mergenthaler Linotype Company, Brooklyn, New York, in 1940.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the matrices cross a light beam which is provided close to the assembling'elevator. The light source 110 is provided in the assembling block 111; the photocell 120 is attached to the spaceband, chute.

This solution will be applicable for different magazine escapements. It allows the operation of the tape control device at an increased speed. Whenever a released matrix '71 passes the assembler block, the beam of light is intercepted and an impulse is produced. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3, the assembling guides are provided with a set of aligned openings 14. A source of light 11 is located on one side of the guides 10, and a photocell 12 is located on the other side of the guides aligned with openings 14. Consequently, a beam of light passes from the source of light 11 through openings 14 to the photocell 12. Whenever a released matrix 71 passes through one of the assembling guides, the beam of light is intercepted, and an impulse is produced by photocell 12.

Whenever a T-shaped lever 6 is actuated under control of the program tape 1 to effect release of a matrix, a switch means 9 is closed, and produces an impulse. Switch means 9 includes a bar 109 extending across all levers 6.

If every time a lever 6tis operated, and switch 9 is closed a matrix is released, the number of pulses pro duced by closing of switch 9 will be identical with the number of pulses produced by the photocell 12, 120 responding to released matrices dropping through guides 10 and respectively passing assembler block 111. If, however, a matrix is not released, photocell 12, 120 will not produce a pulse, while switch 9 will produce a pulse.

First storage means 81 (FIG. 2) of the control means 80 are provided for storing the first pulses created by switch means 9, and second storage means 82 are provided for second impulses produced by photocell 120. Storage means 81 includes a pulse shaper E, and a binary electronic counter Z Z to Z only three binary stages being shown in FIG. 2. Storage means 82 includes a pulse shaper I, and a binary electronic counter Z Z and Z only three binary stages being shown in FIG. 2. Corresponding pairs of binary stages are connected by coincidence gates K K K K and K -K by which the numbers of pulses stored in the respective counter means are compared. If there are different numbers stored in the counters, an output signal is produced which is applied to a comparison circuit M. Circuit M produces an output signal if receiving at least one input signal from the coincidence gates. Consequently, irrespective of whether the difference between the numbers of first and second pulses is one, or a greater number, a single output signal is applied to amplifier V and reaches the relay R.

Relay R controls two relay contact means r and r which are normally open, and which close when relay R is energized due to a difference between the numbers of pulses stored in storage means 81 and 82. An electromagnetic means S is connected in series with contact means r and effects locking of the assembling elevator when energized since armature S is operated and shifts a latch S to engage a latch 8;, on handle arm 106 so that handle arm 106 is locked by locking means S S An acoustical or optical signal means D is connected in series with contact means r so that an operator may be informed of the operation of the locking means S, S S S A controlswitchlS is connected in series with contact means r and r and is normally open. When program tape 1 produces a signal indicating the end of the line, the matrices assembled in the assembling means of the assembling elevator constitute a composed line. At this moment, switch 15 is closed .by the revolution of the elevator clutch shaft 101, timing cam 18 and pin 17. In the event that the same nurner of pulses was produced by switch means 9 under control of the operating means, as were pulses produced by the photocell under control of actually delivered matrices, then no output signal is produced by the comparison signal M, relay R is not energized, and contact means r and r are open, so that neither the electro-magnetic locking means S, 8,, S S nor the signal device D is energized although switch 15 momentarily closes. Consequently, the assembling elevator is raised to casting position, and the operation of the machine continues in a normal manner.

However, if one or several matrices were not released from the magazine, and did not pass the assembling block 111 and photocell 120, a corresponding smaller number of pulses was produced by the photocell 120than by the switch means 9 when switch 15 closes after completion of the line in the assembling means of the assembling elevator. In this event, the respective coincidence gate means produce one or several input signals for the comparison circuit M, and comparison circuit M produces an output signal effecting energization of relay R and closing of contact means r and r so that the circuit of the electromagnetic locking means S, S S S is completed through switch means 15 and contact means r,, and armature S effects locking of the transporting means for the assembling elevator so that the faulty line of matrices is not transported to casting position. At the same time, signal device D is actuated by the closed switches '15 and r so that the operator is informed and corrects the faulty line, Counters 81 and 82 are cleared by operation of switch 16, and the operation of the machine can proceed.

If the binary counters of the electronic storage means 81 and 82 respond to a maximum difference between the pulses stored therein, the error is not recognized. For example, if each of the storage means 81, 82 consists of four binary stages, no signal is given to the comparison circuit M if the difference between the stored impulses is 16 which can only occur if sixteen matrices were not released within a single line. The higher this value is chosen, the smaller is the probability of this error. However, the error is carried over to the counter operation during the composing of the next following line, and unless the difference between the stored pulses is again 16, which is highly improbable, an output signal will be produced by the comparison circuit M, and actuate the locking means.

In a modified arrangement, the operation of the escapement means 7 and 8 is effected by electro-magnetic means controlled by the pulses produced by switch 9, for example through a suitable amplifier and relay circuit, so that switch 9 serves a double purpose.

Due to the fact that the electronic sensing means 110, 120 is located in the region of the assembler block 111 to respond to actually released dropping matrices, the apparatus performs far more reliably than known constructions where the matrices are counted at the outlet of the magazine where frequently two different matrices are successively released in an overlapping position. Passing the assembler block where the electronic sensing means of the present invention are located, the matrices can follow each other in such a rapid succession that the electronic sensing means respond to pulse sequences in the magnitude of 20 milliseconds.

The modified embodiment of FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 2 mainly in the construction of the storage and counter means and in the location of the sensing means for released matrices. Corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Whenever the escapement mechanism is actuated under control of tape 1, and switch 9is closed by the respective lever 6, an electric pulse passes through the coil 93 whose armature actuates the contact arm A to move one step so.

that the contact arm A passes successively over contacts K K K and K only four contacts being shown.

The pulses produced by photocell 12whenever a matrix passes through the assembling guides 16, are amplified in an amplifier T and energize an electro-magnetic means 93' whose armature actuates the contact arm A to move stepwise over the contacts K K K and K 'only four contacts being shown.

Corresponding contacts K to K and K to K are connected by lines L to L Another line connects contact arm A with a relay R connected to mass and controlling contact means r and r which are normally closed. An electro-magnetic locking means S having an armature S is connected in series with contact means r and a signal device D is connected in series with the contact means r A normally open switch means 15 closes Whenever the program tape 1 produces a signal indicating the end of a composed line. Switch 15 is closed by pin 17 which is operated by timing cam 13 on elevator clutch shaft 101. Since contact means r is normally closed, the transporting means of the assembling elevator are locked by locking means S, S S S whenever switch 15 closes at the end of a line composed in the assembling elevator.

Every time switch 9 closes under control of the mechanism which effects release of a matrix, arm A moves one step to the next following contact, so that at the end of the line, contact arm A has moved as many steps as matrices Were intended to be delivered to the assembling elevator. On the other hand, contact arm A has moved so many steps as matrices were actually delivered through the guides to the assembling elevator, and have actuated the photocell 12. If the number of delivered matrices corresponds to the number of matrices intended to be released, contact arms A and A are located on corresponding contacts K to K and K to K,,, and a circuit is closed through contact arm A, one'of contacts K to K line L, the respective contacts K to K contact arm A and relay R which is energized and opens the normally closed contact means r and r so that the coil of the electro-magnetic locking means 5 is de-cnergized, and remains so when switch closes at the end of a composed line. Spring means not shown retract the armature S to an inoperative position when the electro-magnetic means S is de-energized, so that the transporting means of the assembling elevator is free to raise the assembling elevator to the casting position.

When a smaller number of matrices were actually delivered through the guides 10 than commanded by the program tape 1, contact arm A will have moved fewer steps at the end of a line than contact arm A. Consequently, arms A and A will not be located on corresponding contacts K and K, and will not be connected by a line L, so that relay R is not energized. Contact means 1' and r remain closed, and when switch 15 is closed at the end of a composed line, the circuit of the electro-magnetic locking means S, S S S is completed, the transporting means of the assembling elevator is locked, and a Warning signal is given by the signal device D.

A mechanical or electric clearing arrangement returns contact arms A and A to the initial position.

It will be seen that the first and second storage means 81 and 82 cause first control means including relay R to assume a first (energized) condition whenever there is a difference between the number of impulses stored in the first and second storage means and to assume a second (dc-energized) condition when the same number of impulses is stored.

The first control means may assume the first condition any time while the line is being composed, but this has no effect on the locking means 5, S S S since second control means including switch 15 are not yet actuated. The second control means are actuated when a line of matrices has been composed and if at that moment the first control means are in the first condition, the machine is stopped by the locking means.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of typographicalcomposing machines differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an electronic malfunction detection arrangement including photo-electric means and electronic counters for counting matrices delivered to the assembling elevator, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made Without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications Without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first storage means for storing said first impulses; second storage means for storing said second impulses; first control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt the machine when said first control means is in said first condition and said second control means is in said actuated condition.

2. A malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path and including a guide part located adjacent said assembling means; a source of light located on one side of said guide part for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide part for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first storage means for storing said first impulses; second storage means for storing said second impulses; first control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt the machine when said first control means is in said first condition and said second control means is in said actuated bling means for forming a composed line of matrices;

transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first storage means for storing said first impulses; second storage means for storing said second impulses; first control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt said'transporting means when said first control means is in said first condition and said second control means is in said actuated condition.

' 4. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first electric impulse Whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line'of matrices; guide means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path and including a guide part having a guide face for matrices located directly adjacent said assembling means; a source of light for projecting a beam of light across said guide face, and a photocell for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means for storing said first impulses; second electronic storage means for storing said second impulses; first electric control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first con dition when difierent numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt the machine when said first electric control means is in said first condition and said second electric control means is in said actuated condition.

5. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; switch means for producing a first electric impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means for storing said first impulses; second electronic storage means for storing said second impulses; first electric control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt said transporting means when said first electric control means is in said first condition and said second electric control means is in said actuated condition.

6. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; switch means for producing a first electric impulse Whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said first impulses and first coincidence gate means; second electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said second impulses and second coin cidence gate means connected to said first coincidence gate means; first electric control means including comparison circuit means connected to said coincidence gate means and producing a control impulse when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said counter means of said first and second storage means, said first control means assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt said transporting means when said first electric control means is in said first condition and said second electric control means is in said actuated condition.

7. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; switch means for producing a first electric impulse Whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said chute means for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce sec: ond electric impulses; first electronic storage means in eluding binary counter means for storing said first impulses and first coincidence gate means; second electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said second impulses and second coincidence gate means connected to said first coincidence gate means; first electric control means including comparison circuit means connected to said coincidence gate means and producing a control impulse when diiterent numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said counter means of said first and second storage means, said first control means including relay means energized by said control impulse; second electric control means including a control switch controlled by said assembling means to assume a closed position when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means including a normally open contact means controlled by said relay means to open when said relay means is energized and connected in series with said control switch, and an electro-magnetic locking member connected in series with said contact means to halt said transporting means when said relay means is energized and said switch is closed.

8. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first electric impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell for receiving and beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said first impulses and first coincidence gate means; second electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said second impulses and second coincidence gate means connected to said first coincidence gate means; first electric control means including comparison circuit means connected to said coincidence gate means and producing a control impulse when difierent numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said counter means of said first and second storage means, said first control means assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt the machine when said first electric control means is in said actuated condition.

9. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first electric impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said first impulses and first coincidence gate means; second electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said second impulses and second coincidence gate means connected to said first coincidence gate means; first electric control means including comparison circuit means connected to said coincidence gate means and producing a control impulse when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said counter means of said first and second storage means, said first control means including relay means energized by said control impulse; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume a closed position when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means including a normally open contact means controlled by said relay means to open when said relay means is energized and connected in series with said control switch, and an electromagnetic locking member connected in series with said contact means to halt the machine when said relay means is energized and said switch is closed.

10. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means including program controlled means having an actuated position, switch means operated by said program controlled means to produce a first electric impulse whenever said program controlled means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means for storing said first impulses; second electronic storage means for storing said second impulses; first electric means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt the machine when said first electric control means is in said first condition and said second electric control means is in said actuated condition.

11. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operation means including program controlled means having an actuated position, switch means operated by said program controlled means to produce a first electric impulse whenever said program controlled means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide chute means for guiding releasedmatrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means for storing said first impulses; second electronic storage means for storing said seocnd impulses; first electric control means actuated by said firstand second storage means and assuming a first condiiton when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt said transporting means when said first electric control means is in said first condition and said second electric control means is in said actuated condition.

12. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means including pro- 1 1 w gram controlled means having an actuated position, switch means operated by said program controlled means to produce a first electric impulse whenever said program controlled means moves to said actuated position; escapement means controlled by saidfirst impulses to release matrices from said magazine, assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide chute means forguiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means for storing said first impulses; second electronic storage means for storing said second impulses; first electric control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second 7 control means to halt said transporting means when said first electric control means is in said first condition and said second electric control means is in said actuated condition. a

13. A malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; as sembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path and including a plurality of chutes having separating walls, the end portions of said walls being located in the proximity of said assembling means and being formed with openings aligned along a line crossing said path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light through said aligned openings across said path, and

a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means aligned with said openings for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first storage means for storing said first impulses; second storage means for storing said second impulses; first controlmeans actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal num bers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt the machine when said first control means is in said first condition and said second control means is in said actuated condition.

14. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement fora linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; switch means for producing a-first electric impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path and including a plurality of chutes having sepa rating Walls, the end portions of said walls being located in the proximity of said assembling means and being formed with openings aligned along a line crossing saidpath; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light through said aligned openings across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means aligned with said openings for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of'the beam of light by released matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means for storing said first impulses; second electronic storage means for storing said second impulses; first electric control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second electric control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt said transporting means when said first electric control means is in said first condition and said second electric control means is in said actuated condition.

15. An electronic malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; switch means for producing a first electric impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; transporting means for transporting said assembling means to a casting position when a line of matrices has been composed; guide-chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path and including a plurality of chutes having separating walls, the end portions of said Walls being located in the proximity of said assembling means and being formed with openings aligned along a line crossing said path; a source of light located on one side of said guide chute means for projecting a beam of light through said aligned openings across said path, and a photocell on the other side of said guide chute means aligned with said openings for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released'matrices to produce second electric impulses; first electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said first impulses and first coincidence gate means; second electronic storage means including binary counter means for storing said second impulses and second coincidence gate means connected to said first coincidence gate means; first electric control means including com parison circuit means connected to said coincidence gate means and producing a control impulse when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said counter means of said first and second storage means, said first control means including relay means energized by said control impulse; second electric control means including a control switch controlled by said assembling means to assure a closed position when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means including a normally open contact means controlled by said relay means to open when said relay means is energized and connected in series with said control switch, and an electromagnetic locking member connected in series with said contact means to halt said transporting means when said relay means is energized and said switch is closed.

16. A malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed'line of matrices;

,3 la guide means for guiding released matrices to said assei bling means along a path; a source of light for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first storage means for storing said first impulses; second storage means for storing said second impulses; first control means actuated by said first and second storage means and including a relay means energized when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and having a normally open contact means closed when said relay means is energized; second control means including a normally open control switch in series with said contact means and controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated closed condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means including electro-magnetic means in series with said control switch and said contact means and being energized to halt the machine when said control switch and said contact means are closed.

17. A malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide means for guiding released matrices to said assembling means along a path; a source of light for projecting a beam of light across said path, and a photocell for receiving said beam or" light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first storage means for storing said first impulses; second storage means for storing said second impulses; first control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices has been composed; and locking means having an inoperative position of rest and an operative locking position and being controlled by said first and second control means to move to said locking position to halt the machine when Sc id first control means is in said first condition and said second control means is in said actuated condition.

18. A malfunction detection arrangement for a linecasting machine, comprising, in combination, a magazine for matrices; operating means having an actuated position for releasing matrices from said magazine; impulse creating means for producing a first impulse whenever said operating means moves to said actuated position; assembling elevator means for forming a composed line of matrices; guide chute means for guiding released matrices to said assembling elevator means along a path and including a plurality of chutes having separating Walls and a spaceband chute; an assembler block having a guide face located adjacent said assembling elevator means at the end of said path; a source of light beam located in the assembler block on one side of said path, and a photocell located on the other side of said path in the spaceband chute aligned with said light source for receiving said beam of light and responsive to interception of the beam of light by released matrices to produce second impulses; first storage means for storing said first impulses; second storage means for storing said second impulses; first control means actuated by said first and second storage means and assuming a first condition when different numbers of first and second impulses are stored in said storage means and assuming a second condition when equal numbers of first and second impulses are stored in the same; second control means controlled by said assembling means to assume an actuated condition when a line of matrices'has been composed; and locking means controlled by said first and second control means to halt the machine when said first control means is in said first condition and said second control means is in said actuated condition.

2,880,853 Greene et a1. Apr. 7, 1959 

1. A MALFUNCTION DETECTION ARRANGEMENT FOR A LINECASTING MACHINE, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A MAGAZINE FOR MATRICES; OPERATING MEANS HAVING AN ACTUATED POSITION FOR RELEASING MATRICES FROM SAID MAGAZINE; IMPULSE CREATING MEANS FOR PRODUCING A FIRST IMPULSE WHENEVER SAID OPERATING MEANS MOVES TO SAID ACTUATED POSITION; ASSEMBLING MEANS FOR FORMING A COMPOSED LINE OF MATRICES; GUIDE MEANS FOR GUIDING RELEASED MATRICES TO SAID ASSEMBLING MEANS ALONG A PATH; A SOURCE OF LIGHT FOR PROJECTING A BEAM OF LIGHT ACROSS SAID PATH, AND A PHOTOCELL FOR RECEIVING SAID BEAM OF LIGHT AND RESPONSIVE TO INTERCEPTION OF THE BEAM OF LIGHT BY RELEASED MATRICES TO PRODUCE SECOND IMPULSES; FIRST STORAGE MEANS FOR STORING SAID FIRST IMPULSES; SECOND STORAGE MEANS FOR STORING SAID SECOND IMPULSES; FIRST CONTROL MEANS ACTUATED BY SAID FIRST AND SECOND STORAGE MEANS AND ASSUMING A FIRST CONDITION WHEN DIFFERENT NUMBERS OF FIRST AND SECOND IMPULSES ARE STORED IN SAID STORAGE MEANS AND ASSUMING A SECOND CONDITION WHEN EQUAL NUMBERS OF FIRST AND SECOND IMPULSES ARE STORED IN THE SAME; SECOND CONTROL MEANS CONTROLLED BY SAID ASSEMBLING MEANS TO ASSUME AN ACTUATED CONDITION WHEN A LINE OF MATRICES HAS BEEN COMPOSED; AND LOCKING MEANS CONTROLLED BY SAID FIRST AND SECOND CONTROL MEANS TO HALT THE MACHINE WHEN SAID FIRST CONTROL MEANS IS IN SAID FIRST CONDITION AND SAID SECOND CONTROL MEANS IS IN SAID ACTUATED CONDITION. 